Understanding the Last Mughal-Appointed Subedar of Bengal

The question asks about the last Subedar of Bengal who was appointed directly by the Mughal Emperor. During the decline of the Mughal Empire, various regional governors, known as Subedars or Nazims, began to assert more independence, effectively becoming hereditary rulers while still nominally acknowledging Mughal authority.

Murshid Quli Khan's Appointment

Murshid Quli Khan was originally appointed as the Diwan (revenue administrator) of Bengal by Emperor Aurangzeb. Over time, he consolidated his power and was eventually appointed as the Subedar or Nazim of Bengal. His appointment marked a significant step towards making Bengal virtually independent from the central Mughal authority in Delhi.

• Murshid Quli Khan shifted the capital of Bengal to Murshidabad.
• He implemented new revenue collection policies.
• He effectively controlled both the civil administration (Nazim) and revenue administration (Diwan) of Bengal.
• His rule set the stage for the Nawabs of Bengal to operate as autonomous rulers.

Successors and Autonomy

While subsequent rulers like Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan (his son-in-law), Sarfaraz Khan (his grandson), and Alivardi Khan (who overthrew Sarfaraz Khan) also held the title of Nawab or Nazim of Bengal, the period of direct appointment and strong central control from the Mughal Emperor essentially ended with Murshid Quli Khan's tenure as the last fully appointed Subedar.

• Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan: Succeeded Murshid Quli Khan and ruled Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar.
• Sarfaraz Khan: Briefly succeeded his father, Shuja-ud-Din.
• Alivardi Khan: Overthrew Sarfaraz Khan and became the Nawab, ruling with increasing independence from the Mughals.

Therefore, in the context of rulers appointed directly by the Mughal Emperor before Bengal became effectively independent under hereditary Nawabs, Murshid Quli Khan is considered the last such appointed Subedar.